Something beautiful is happening at Wat Phra Singh UK Temple in Runcorn and everyone is invited to be part of it.
This week, the temple began installing the first of the of specially selected roof tiles on its new Ubosot Hall, the first hall of its kind in the Northwest. Each tile represents not just progress on the building site, but an opportunity for members of the public to have their name literally written into the temple’s story.
In Buddhist tradition Wat Phra Singh UK are inviting everyone to ‘sponsor’ a tile for £5. With every sponsored tile the temple’s senior monk, Than Thirasak, will write the donor’s name on the tile before it is fixed into place on the roof.
Spokesperson Tony Collacott, founding Trustee of Wat Phra Singh UK said, “The idea is that when you look up at this roof in the years to come, you know you are a part of what made it possible, we only launched the scheme last week and the response has been fantastic we’ve had families, neighbours, and local groups all wanting to contribute. It’s really special to see the community coming together for something that will be here for generations.”
The roof design has always been the heart of the hall’s vision. The team at the temple spent months sourcing the perfect tiles to create the distinctive look that will give the building its “wow factor.” Once the tiling is complete, in about two weeks, some traditional Thai roof decorations will be ordered from Chiang Mai to complete the striking silhouette.
When the doors finally open, the Ubosot Hall won’t just be for Buddhist ceremonies, the hall will be open to local community groups. The hall will also be registered with the council as part of the town’s emergency resilience plan, offering shelter to residents in times of crisis.
The project has been made possible through funding from FCC Communities Foundation and is one of 15 initiatives under Reconnecting Runcorn, which received £23.6 million from the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Get Involved
“This is a once-in-a-generation project for Runcorn,” added Cllr Rosie Leck. “The Ubosot Hall will be a landmark for the town, a place for reflection, celebration, and community.”
Tile sponsorships can be made by visiting the temple and using a donation envelope or by BACS transfer to Wat Phra Singh UK Temple. Visit https://www.watphrasinghuk.org/ for more information on how to sponsor a tile.
For more information, photos of the roof installation, and details on the project visit https://reconnectingruncorn.info/